Without ever giving the impression of forcing his game, Jokic then took matters into his own hands on offense in the last quarter, when the Heat, always as valiant, returned to 9 units, in the wake of the surprising substitute Haywood Highsmith (18 pts), after having counted 24 late at the end of the previous one, to better discourage this semblance of comeback.

"We respect their team a lot. We just wanted to give the first punch. In the first three rounds of the play-offs, they won their first away game and we didn't want that to happen. I think we did a good job," said the "Joker", after adding a ninth triple-double to his collection in the same postseason, setting a new NBA record in this area, now two more than Wilt Chamberlain.

Murray still effective

In fact, his team did not suffer from the lack of experience compared to the Heat, in search of a fourth title and back on the last step, three years after the sixth failed attempt in the anti-Covid bubble of Orlando.

The question arose especially whether the ten days without a game of Denver, rather rested since the sweep inflicted on the Lakers in the finals of the Western Conference, would have the undesirable effect of a lack of rhythm, against Floridians certainly tired but arrived with a surge of euphoria, after having the last word on Boston in the 7th game in the East.

The answer was quickly given by Michael Malone's men, who, as usual, attacked the game with a bang, like Aaron Gordon author of 12 of his 16 points in the first quarter completed with already nine units ahead (29-20).

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler during the first game of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, in Denver, June 1, 2023 © MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

During these first twelve minutes, the Nuggets were very aggressive in the Florida racket, enjoying a big advantage over their opponents. An effort maintained throughout, with the reward of 46 points scored in the paint and an overall skill of 50.6% success.

The fact is that Denver has more than one string to its bow, Jamal Murray still proving to be very effective (26 pts at 11/22, 10 assists), Michael Porter Jr also weighing offensively (14 pts, 13 rbds).

Butler without spring

"Everyone was involved, did their job. I'm proud of the guys," said their coach Michael Malone, insisting on the "collective effort" winning.

Opposite, only Bam Adebayo was able to compete at altitude with the Nuggets. Most often isolated in defense and therefore overwhelmed, the pivot was especially illustrated under the opposing circle (26 pts at 13/25, 13 rbds).

It must be said that Denver, not content to defend its circle remarkably, conceding only two free throws, has worked to make live an ordeal to the two Florida triggers Caleb Martin and Max Strus, reduced to a paltry 1/17 shooting.

And Jimmy Butler in all this? He was very inside, far from his standards (13 pts at 6/14, 7 assists), finishing only fourth in scoring for the Heat, behind Gabe Vincent (19 pts).

"You don't expect it to be easy when you get to the final. It's a big challenge. But more needs to be done. We're going to get to work and see what we can do better, stronger, with more effort," said Florida coach Erik Spoelstra, who will have to find solutions to meet the Nuggets offensive power and variety between now and Sunday's second game, also in Denver.

© 2023 AFP